The 1 Thing That Can Turn Every Girl on TV Into a Badass

Every television season we seem to get more shows with butt-kicking female characters--and that's awesome. But why must they all wear leather jackets? Seriously, it's like an actress playing a tough lady on TV puts one on and poof!, she becomes an expert in sarcasm, karate, and general badittude. Don't believe us? Look:

Marg Helgenberger, CSI

Her leather jacket looks like it's made from a farmer's old boot--but hey, without it she'd just be another hippie potter.

Sela Ward, CSI: NY

With just one well-placed biker number, Sela goes from Chico's to "I will shoot everyone in this Chico's if you don't GET. DOWN!"

Archie Panjabi, The Good Wife

Archie wears a ton of leather jackets. Until her husband comes to town, and then she wears a ton of leather jackets and boots and vests and skirts.

Not two years ago Jordana was My Boys' aw-shucks Peej, wearing raglan tees and high-tops. But those innocent days are gone. Now, whenever she's not in surgery, she's in leather, because she's seen too much in her day.

Jennifer Morrison, Once Upon a Time

If you're going to start out being all crotchety and skeptical of fairy tales, you might as well do it with an oxblood moto and a scowl to match, I suppose.

Sandra Oh, Grey's Anatomy

Can you spot the doctor in this staff meeting who is totally not a team player?

Tracy Spiradakos, Revolution

Right, nobody's been able to turn on a lamp for 15 years, yet Tracy's shrunken bomber is completely chic and functional? I call B.S. on the trend-savviness, but I still wouldn't mess with her.

Crazy, right? Don't get us wrong, we like a motorcycle jacket as much as much the next chick, but c'mon, there has to be another way to convey:

a) I'm tough on the outside.

b) I'm tough on the inside.

c) Just kidding, I'm not so tough on the inside, but we'll get to the deep, dark secret that gave me this hard shell later.

d) I don't play by the rules.

e) But I'm the best in the biz.

f) All of the above.

Any ideas for new wardrobe staples for these women? More ladylike sophistication ?? la Emily Thorne from Revenge perhaps? Hollywood clearly needs some creative help in this department.